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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”